Business Meetings

March 20, 2024 The Business Meeting of Lansdale Borough Council was held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Lansdale Municipal Complex, One Vine Street, Lansdale, PA and called to order at 7:00 pm by President, Mary Fuller. ROLL CALL: X) Councilwoman Bollens (X) Councilman Breish (X) Councilman Carroll (X) Councilman DiGregorio (X) President Fuller (X) Councilwoman Oglesby (X) Councilwoman Razzak (X) Vice President Currie Teoh (X) Councilman Yetter (X) Mayor Garry Herbert Borough Representatives: Borough Manager, not present Borough Solicitor, Patrick Hitchens Finance Director, Glenn Dickerson Borough Engineer, not present Police Chief, Mike Trail Library Director, not present Parks & Rec. Dir., Courtney Meehan IT/GIS Dept., Darwin Zehr Electric Superintendent, Andy Krauss Code Enforcement, Jason Van Dame Public Works Director, not present WWTP Superintendent, Greg Rapp Fire Marshal, Rick Lesniak Residents: Rose Chapman – 316 W. Mt. Vernon Street Agenda Item #5 - Petitions None Agenda Item #6 Presentations A. Wissahickon Clean Water Partnership – Erin Landes and Drew Shaw (presentation will be added to the end of the minutes) • This consortium would be a partnership of municipalities that share the Wissahickon Creek. Water does not know boundaries. • Lansdale is part of the original partnership. This resolution would allow the Borough to be part of the consortium of municipalities as well. • The Wissahickon Creek is not healthy and is impaired. We need to keep phosphorus out of the waterways and each municipality is responsible for their Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). • Alternate TMDLs were presented to the Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) and they did approve a more flexible, approachable plan. • Goals for the WQIP – meet standards and work together with the DEP and EPA. Wissahickon Creek is a very studied watershed. 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 1 of 8  • The partnership received $1.5 million ARPA funding. Forming the consortium will show the regulators that the municipalities are serious about working together on this project. • The structure of the partnership will stay the same with one member and one alternate per municipality. Next steps for the partnership are to form the consortium, revise the WQIP based on regulator feedback, sect & prioritize implementation projects and receive approval of WQIP and finally implement. Councilman DiGregorio – Erosion along the embankment is a concern. Will that be part of the scope? Mr. Shaw – Yes, that will be addressed and is part of the plan. Councilwoman Oglesby – Is there a yearly fee to be a part of the consortium? Mr. Drew – Initially $12,000 per year but now it is about $10,000 per year and each municipality pays the same amount. It may increase when the project starts. President Fuller – Who are the representatives for the Borough? Mr. Shaw – Greg Rapp and Jason Van Dame is the alternate. Councilman Yetter – Do you seek to make recommendations for municipalities? Mr. Shaw – We can make recommendations and promote the policies. The County facilitates and the municipalities direct. Mayor Herbert – How many municipalities are involved? How is the money spent? Mr. Shaw – Thirteen municipalities along with four Water Authorities. Monies will be used to fund an environmental solicitor and currently that is Susan Harris who is working on the project aspects and Kleinfelter is the science aspect. Mayor Herbert – Is there an intent to hire a grant writer? Mr. Shaw – Gail Farmer who is the Director of Wissahickon Trails intends to write the grants or assist on writing grants. A lot of money will be needed to do this. Councilwoman Bollens – Are there any of the local EACs coordinating with the municipalities to assist with this project? Mr. Shaw – We will eventually work with the local EACs in the future. Mr. Hitchens – He wants to clarify that Council is not approving the consortium tonight, but stating if we want to become part of a consortium. More steps will need to be taken and a new intermunicipal intergovernmental agreement will be needed to outline all the details. Mr. Van Dame – He has been working with Drew and Erin for a number of years and each of the municipalities have contributed a lot as well. Many of the resolutions have been done by the other municipalities so far. B. Business of the Month – Common Grounds Café by Councilman Breish • Tonight's journey is to a place that's truly “uncommon” – Manna's Common Grounds Café. Don't let the name fool you, because there's something extraordinary happening here. • Manna's Common Grounds Cafe is far your typical spot. It's a social enterprise with a powerful mission…to empower people. Since opening in 2016, they've transformed lives by training approximately 180 individuals in customer service, cooking, and production skills. I guess you could say, Manna’s Common Grounds Cafe isn’t just a place where you can order a latte, but a place where you can also learn a lot-eh? Impressively, 124 of these trainees have successfully completed and graduated from this program and 85% of these graduates were employed at the time of graduation. This program also fosters incredible personal growth, like the story of Rob Stabb. Rob started as a trainee, 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 2 of 8  then became an intern, and now he's a full-time leader! Personal development is the heart and soul at Manna's Common Grounds Café. • Their mission of empowerment is impressive, but their impact goes even further. The trainees in the program help produce over 140,000 meals annually, through a contract with meal on wheels. This is a critical service for the food insecure and our homebound seniors. That alone makes a real difference in our community and beyond. • Of course, they also have amazing scones, mouthwatering chicken salad sandwiches, and fresh-baked cookies that are hard to resist. But the true magic lies in the people who bring this deliciousness to life. At Manna’s Common Grounds Cafe chefs, like Chef Nick Heishman, create incredible recipes, and the dedicated team of seasoned staff and trainees then bring them to fruition. When Chef Nick started working at Manna’s Common Ground Cafe in 2022 he introduced “the scone”, and having sold 3,561 of them to-date, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He even affectionately calls them the “Gateway Scone” because once new customers try them there's no turning back, customers for life! • Remember the challenges of 2020? While the cafe doors did close temporarily, the program itself didn't falter. They pivoted their services to provide even more ready-made meals for the most vulnerable in our community. Why? Because at Manna's Common Grounds Café, it’s more than just a place to eat – it's a place where people grow. When you believe in that mission, nothing is going to slow you down. • This dedication to purpose is no coincidence. At Manna's Common Grounds Café, you're at the central hub of a facility that houses three amazing non-profit agencies, and the cafe? That was foundational from the very beginning, at the heart of it all. But the true draw of Manna's Common Grounds Cafe goes beyond the delicious food and the incredible growth stories. Customers recognize their mission and the extraordinary value they deliver. When you visit, you not only enjoy a great meal, but you also become part of something so much bigger. So, I guess you could say, you leave full, filled, and feeling fulfilled! • The team behind Manna's Common Grounds understands this too. They're constantly expanding their services to fund the training and expand their incredible impact. Need catering for an event? Who you going to call? Manna's Commons Grounds Cafe, they can provide incredible food and rental spaces, and your payment for that service directly supports the mission. Imagine making a donation with such delicious results! I guess you could say, you're really putting your money where your mouth is! • Just remember, at Manna's Common Grounds Café it’s more than a place to grab a world class scone. It's a place where purpose meets deliciousness, and each meal is served with a side of empowerment (at no extra charge). You’ll come here to learn, and you’ll come here to eat, but you leave with so much more. It is my honor tonight to recognize this truly deserving and amazing Lansdale business and mission with you on behalf of the Economic Development Committee, you’ll all also be pleased to know that with a whole new slate of members who recently joined EDC you will be spared from my bad dad jokes for a few months when I conclude this presentation. Chef Nick – Thank you for recognizing what we do. Chef Rob – He was a trainee in the program and is now the Assistant Manager. It really was a life changing program. 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 3 of 8  Susan Gould (Executive Director of Manna) – in 2015 she appeared before Council on behalf of North Penn Commons for a donation for their project so thank you to the Council which also had a part in this program. Agenda Item #7 – President’s Comments None Agenda Item #8 – Residents to be Heard on Any Item Ms. Chapman of 316 W. Mt. Vernon Street – What hours is the café open? Vice President Currie Teoh – 9am to 2pm Monday through Friday. Ms. Chapman – At Cannon Lofts will they be restoring the original business name on the back wall? Mr. Van Dame – It is not in their current plan to do that right now, but he may try and restore it in the future. Ms. Chapman – Keep an eye out for dead trees when its windy. There was a meeting regarding Norway Drive and high traffic, but these are public streets…how can we control that? My street has a lot of traffic and speeding too. Who is responsible to clean up the weeds on the brick sidewalks? Agenda Item #9 – Action Items Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion A and read as follows: I move that Borough Council approve the Treasurer's Report for the month of January 2024 which shows the expenditures listed on the attachment. Motion seconded by Vice President Currie Teoh and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion B and read as follows: I move that Borough Council approve the bills $1,000.00 and over as per the attachment. Motion seconded by Councilman Carroll and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion C and read as follows: I move that Borough Council approve the following meeting minutes: Reorganization Meeting: February 7, 2024 Business Meeting: February 21, 2024 Motion seconded by Councilman Breish and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion D and read as follows: I move that Borough Council authorize the Borough Manager to enter into the attached agreement with Retrievr, Inc. for a recycling program. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Razzak and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Razzak presented Motion E and read as follows: 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 4 of 8 I move that Borough Council adopt attached Resolution 24-05 granting a conditional waiver of land development approval to Grace Mennonite Church for the property located at 630 York Avenue. Motion seconded by Councilman Yetter and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Bollens presented Motion F and read as follows: I move that Borough Council adopt attached Resolution 24-06 authorizing the submission of a grant application for the 2024-2025 funding cycle of the Community Development Block Grant for the W. Fifth Street Park Rehabilitation Project. Councilman Yetter – Does this grant carry a condition of a match? Ms. Meehan – CDBG grant has no match, but DCNR does and the CDBG grant can be the match for DCNR. We will also work on applying for more grants for this project. Councilman Yetter – Has there been thought on naming rights for additional funding? Ms. Meehan – We have not discussed that, but it is something we can look into. Mayor Herbert – How much is the gap amount? Ms. Meehan – About $134,000. Motion seconded by Councilman DiGregorio and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Bollens presented Motion G and read as follows: I move that Borough Council adopt attached Resolution 24-07 authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the W. Fifth Street Park Rehabilitation Project. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Oglesby and unanimously approved. Vice President Currie Teoh presented Motion H and read as follows: I move that Borough Council adopt attached Ordinance 1972 amending sections 370-5 of the Vehicles and Traffic provisions of the Borough Code to add a handicap parking space at 1017 Tremont Drive. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Razzak and unanimously approved. Vice President Currie Teoh presented Motion I and read as follows: I move that Borough Council adopt attached Ordinance 1973 amending sections 370-3 and 370-18 of the Vehicles and Traffic provisions of the Borough Code to permit bi-directional traffic on Courtland Street and Susquehanna Avenue and to authorize stop signs to make a four way stop at the intersection of Courtland Street and Susquehanna Avenue for all directions of travel. Motion seconded by Councilman Carroll and unanimously approved. Vice President Currie Teoh presented Motion J and read as follows: I move that Borough Council approve the eight Special Events listed below to be held in the borough per the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee. 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 5 of 8  *Manna on Main Street's Race to End Hunger - April 13, 2024 *Discover Lansdale's First Fridays - April 3 through November 1, 2024 *North Penn Rotary Club's Lansdale Day - June 1, 2024 *Discover Lansdale's Beer Tasting Festival - June 22, 2024 *Discover Lansdale's Founders Day - August 24, 2024 *Discover Lansdale's Cruise Night - September 14, 2024 *Discover Lansdale's 0.5K Race & Oktoberfest - October 6, 2024 *Discover Lansdale's Holiday Mardi Gras Parade - November 23, 2024 Motion seconded by Councilman Carroll and unanimously approved. Councilman Breish presented Motion K and read as follows: I move that Borough Council approve Change Order #2 for the Ridge Street Pump Station Electrical Upgrade Project per the recommendation of Keystone Engineering Group. This change order reflects extension of the substantial completion date until April 1, 2024 due to manufacturer's shipping delays of the equipment. Motion seconded by Councilman DiGregorio and unanimously approved. Councilman Breish presented Motion L and read as follows: I move that Borough Council authorize the Borough Manager to accept the proposal from Eastern Environmental Contractors, Inc. to supply and install one (1) new VFD Control System at Pennbrook Pump Station in the amount of $491,220.00. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Oglesby and unanimously approved. Councilman Breish presented Motion M and read as follows: I move that Borough Council adopt Resolution 2024-08 to authorize the Borough of Lansdale to endorse the recommendation of the Wissahickon Watershed Management Committee to form and support a Municipal Consortium to implement the Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP). Motion seconded by Councilman Yetter and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion N and read as follows: I move that Borough Council reappoint the following individuals to the Environmental Advisory Commission: Sean Weatherwax for a three-year term expiring on January 3, 2028 Connie Lezenby for a three-year term expiring on January 3, 2028 Motion seconded by Councilwoman Bollens and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion O and read as follows: I move that Borough Council reappoint the following individual to the Building Code Board of Appeals: John Chirico for a three-year term expiring on March 31, 2027 Motion seconded by Councilman Carroll and unanimously approved. 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 6 of 8 Councilman Oglesby presented Motion P and read as follows: I move that Borough Council reappoint the following individual to the Planning Commission: Michael Panachyda for four-year term expiring on March 31, 2028 Motion seconded by Councilwoman Razzak and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion Q and read as follows: I move that Borough Council reappoint the following individual to the Police Pension Board of Trustees: Ken Morgan for a three-year term expiring on March 31, 2027. Motion seconded by Vice President Currie Teoh and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion R and read as follows: I move that Borough Council reappoint the following individuals to the Zoning Hearing Board: Connie Lezenby for a three-year term expiring on March 31, 2027 Benjamin Engleman for a three-year term expiring on March 31, 2027 William Kienzle (alternate) for a three-year term expiring on March 31, 2027 Motion seconded by Councilwoman Razzak and unanimously approved. Councilwoman Oglesby presented Motion S and read as follows: I move that Borough Council reappoint the following individuals to the Parking Authority: Dan Dunigan for a five-year term expiring on March 31, 2029 Todd Brown for a five-year term expiring on March 31, 2029 John Chirico for a five-year term expiring on March 31, 2029 Motion seconded by Councilman Carroll and unanimously approved. Agenda Item #9 – Information Items Mayor’s Report: Mayor Herbert 1. On Feb 27th I had the honor of judging the North Penn’s Black History Oratorical Competition at North Penn High School. More than 30 students ranging in ages from eight to eighteen recited and performed famous poems, speeches, and songs from black authors all in their own unique delivery. This celebration of heritage and history is deeply moving as the words of King, Truth, Obama, Lewis, and Gorman come to life in real time as the power of their words echoed through the halls of North Penn. Each year, I walk away deeply impressed by the students and their ability to deliver the nuances of complex oratory well beyond their lived years. I would like to thank Dr. Waters for all that she does help bring this event to life and the enrichment it brings to our students and our community. 2. On March 8th I attended the grand opening of the 365 Foundation’s International Women’s Day Event where they showcased artwork by Kristina Bivona that highlights the realities of being a woman in our complex world. Her artwork is dynamic in that it invites the viewer to see the layers of womanhood and the challenges each woman may face in her life. Thanks goes out to everyone at the 365 Foundation as they continue to help enrich our community through art and advocacy. 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 7 of 8  3. On March 14th I sat down with the hosts of the podcast Just Lawing Around where we discussed a number of issues related to policing, community development, and the challenges of local government. It is always an honor to share how much our community is leading the way on complex issues and how we continue to look for new ways to build a better place to live, work, and play. If you are looking to listen to the podcast, please search for Justin Lawing Around on your favorite place to listen to podcasts! 4. Finally, I would like to congratulate North Penn Rotary on their 100th Anniversary today! The Rotary Club, and its members, have dedicated themselves to community service and to building a stronger community for all. I would like to thank the Rotary for the hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours they have dedicated to Lansdale over the last 100 years and I look forward to another productive 100 years. Solicitor’s Report: Patrick Hitchens 1. Communications with Borough staff and related follow-up work relating to Resolution and Ordinance matters. – Approximately 1.8 hours. 2. Communications with Borough staff and related follow-up work regarding service contracts and agreement review matters including temporary construction easements for outfall work. – Approximately 4.6 hours. 3. Legal work and related follow-up regarding lien and litigation matters including insurance litigation and property assessment appeals. – Approximately 6 hours. 4. Communications with Borough staff and related follow-up work regarding miscellaneous Borough matters including compliance, code and code enforcement, and appointment and personnel. – Approximately 3.6 hours. Borough Manager’s Report: John Ernst 1. No report Mr. Ernst was not at the meeting. Comments for the good of Council: Councilwoman Oglesby – There are vacancies on various committees that are listed on the borough website. If anyone is interested in serving, please send your letter of interest and resume to Stacie Maile by April 15. Councilman Breish – Manna’s Race to End Hunger fundraiser is on Saturday, April 13. There is still time to register for this fun event. Councilwoman Razzak – She would like to wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Ramadan. President Fuller – An Executive Session will be held immediately following the adjournment of this meeting for potential litigation. No action will be taken tonight. Old Business None New Business None Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm. 3/20/2024 Business Meeting Page 8 of 8  Wissahickon Clean Water Partnership Presentation on the Water Quality Improvement Plan/Municipal Consortium Recommendation to Borough of Lansdale PRESENTERS Drew Shaw Erin Landis Environmental Water Programs Planning Manager, Manager, Montgomery County Wissahickon Trails Planning Commission 2 ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP A voluntary collaboration of over a dozen municipalities and four wastewater facilities: Abington Township Ambler Borough Cheltenham Township Lansdale Borough Lower Gwynedd Township Montgomery Township North Wales Borough Springfield Township Upper Dublin Township Upper Gwynedd Township Whitemarsh Township Whitpain Township City of Philadelphia 3 TMDL vs. WQIP TMDL - Total Maximum Daily Load WQIP – Water Quality Improvement Plan • A TMDL is the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and continue to meet water quality standards. • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Draft TMDL for Phosphorous in 2015. • Wissahickon Creek is classified as impaired due to high phosphorous levels. • Our draft WQIP is an alternative to the 2015 TMDL and this is more holistic and seeks to address more than just phosphorus. 4 ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT SIGNED HEALTHIER WATERSHED by addressing more than DATA COLLECTED & SCI. MODEL DEVELOPED phosphorus (i.e. hydrology Collaborated with technical consultants and Temple & imperviousness) University to collect data and project WQIP impact WATER QUALITY PROJECTS IDENTIFIED EASIER COMPLIANCE Multiple methods of analysis including modeling of TMDL is REQUIRED. the watershed have been used to identify priority WQIP allows us to comply at projects less cost with a bigger impact. NEGOTIATED WITH REGULATORS ON WQIP Met with state and federal regulators to revise draft WQIP and resubmit for approval. REDUCED COSTS WQIP recommends more FUNDING SECURED FOR FIRST PROJECTS cost effective, multi- The Partnership received $1.5 million to initiate the municipal solutions first set of projects to satisfy the WQIP. 5 CONSORTIUM STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION • Recommendation based on solicitor input • Management Committee met with several solicitors • Needed for Grants, Contracts • More substantial status • Continued Municipal Representation • Representative and Alternate assigned by municipality • Focus Limited to the WQIP • Annual work program, grant applications • Major Decisions Based on Municipal Input • Remains under the municipal umbrella 6 NEXT STEPS Initiate formation of the Consortium with Legal Guidance Submit Revised WQIP based on Regulator Feedback Select & Prioritize Implementation Projects Receive approval of WQIP & Proceed with Implementation 7  Wissahickon Clean Water Partnership QUESTIONS?